South Korea: A South Korean lawmaker has stated that North Korea may launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or take other military action in protest at a major summit between the United States, South Korea, and Japan.
US President Mr. Joe Biden is due to meet South Korean President Mr. Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Mr. Fumio Kishida at Camp David on August 19. The move is part of an effort to enhance ties between Seoul and Tokyo amid nuclear threats from North Korea and China’s increasing assertiveness.
North Korea has previously criticised deepening military cooperation among the three nations as part of an alleged effort to set up an “Asian version of NATO.”
Mr. Yoo Sang-bum, a member of the South Korean parliament, told reporters after meeting the chief of the National Intelligence Service that North Korea was planning “provocations”. According to the lawmaker, support vehicles for a potential missile launch had been seen in areas near Pyongyang, while frequent movements of propellants from the liquid fuel factor had also been detected.
“The reclusive state could also attempt another spy satellite launch at the end of August or early September after the failure of their first effort in May. There was a chance it could take place on September 9, when North Korea celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding,” Mr. Yoo noted.
North Korean leader Mr. Kim Jong Un, who included a spy satellite among a list of key weapons requirements, has already made a second launch attempt a priority after the first was deemed the “gravest failure.”
“The National Intelligence Service is anticipating that Russia and North Korea will speed up their defence cooperation, and it is closely tracing movements to spot any possible Russian transfer of nuclear missile technology to Pyongyang,” Mr. Yoo added.
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